Jump to Content
SOL 6.2 The Solar System & SOL 6.3 Earth, Sun, Moon (2018 standards)
    6.2 The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system and the interactions among the various bodies that comprise it. Key concepts include
  1. matter is distributed throughout the solar system;
  2. planets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the sun;
  3. gravity contributes to orbital motion;
  4. the understanding of the solar system has developed over time.
    6.3 The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system and the interactions among the various bodies that comprise it. Key concepts include
  1. Earth has unique properties;
  2. the rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night;
  3. the movement of Earth and the moon in relationship to the sun causes phases of the moon;
  4. Earth’s tilt as it revolves around the sun causes the seasons; and
  5. the relationship between Earth and the moon is the primary cause of tides.
The Solar System
  • The solar system is a set of interrelated and interdependent elements that are seamlessly connected through the flow of matter and energy. Characteristics of these elements within the solar system are determined by their composition.
  • The solar system consists of the sun, moon, Earth, other planets and their moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets. Each body has its own characteristics and features.
  • The distance between planets and sizes of the planets vary greatly.
  • The outer, ―gas planets are very large, and the four inner planets are comparatively small and rocky.
  • Gravitational attraction depends on the masses of interacting objects.
    • Gravity keeps planets moving around the sun

  • Gravity is the force that keeps the planets in motion around the sun.
  • Gravity acts everywhere in the universe.
Historical

  • Technological advances, breakthroughs in interpretation, and new observations continuously refine our understanding of the Earth and solar system.

    The invention of the telescope provided powerful and confounding observations that rapidly challenged the Earth-centered model. The development of mathematical physics provided a scientific explanation for the motion of the nearby planets
  • With the development of new technology over the last half-century (e.g., manned and robotic space craft, powerful Earth-based and space telescopes, and computer analyses of huge data sets), our knowledge of the solar system has increased substantially

SOL 6.3 EARTH, SUN, MOON
Planet Earth
  • Earth is a rocky planet, extensively covered with large oceans of liquid water, with ice caps in its polar regions.
    • Earth has a protective atmosphere consisting predominantly of nitrogen and oxygen and has a magnetic field.
    • The atmosphere and the magnetic field help shield Earth's surface from harmful solar radiation.
    • Scientific evidence indicates that Earth is about 4.5 billion years old.
Revolution and Rotation

  • The interactions and orientations of the sun, Earth, and moon lead to patterns that are evidenced in seasons, eclipses, and the phases of the moon.

  • As Earth rotates, different sides of Earth face toward or away from the sun, thus causing day and night, respectively.
  • Seasons are caused by a combination of the tilt of Earth on its axis, the curvature of Earth's surface and, thus, the angle at which sunlight strikes the surface of Earth during its annual revolution around the sun.






Moon Phases; Tides
  • The relative positions of the moon, Earth, and sun give rise to moon phases
  • Tides are the result of the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on the surface waters of Earth.
SOL 6.4 Earth's Energy Budget (New 2018 standards)
    The student will investigate and understand that there are basic sources of energy and that energy can be transformed. Key ideas include
  1. the sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth;
  2. Earth’s energy budget relates to living systems and Earth’s processes;
  3. radiation, conduction, and convection distribute energy; and
  4. energy transformations are important in energy usage.

Central Idea: The major source of energy on Earth is solar radiation.

solar radiation and earth's Energy budget

    All Earth's processes are the result of energy flowing and mass cycling within and among Earth's systems. The energy is derived from the sun and from Earth's hot interior.

  • Solar radiation is made up of different types of radiation (including infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet).
  • Earth receives only a very small portion of the sun's energy, yet this energy is responsible for powering the motion of the atmosphere, the oceans, and many processes at Earth's surface. Earth's surface is heated unequally.
  • Earth's energy budget refers to the tracking of how much energy is flowing into and out of the Earth's climate, where the energy is going, and if the energy coming in balances with the energy going out.
  • The Earth's energy budget includes the solar energy entering and exiting Earth's atmosphere. Excess carbon dioxide and other gases affect the energy budget, creating a greenhouse effect.
radiation and convection
    Convection powers the circulation of the atmosphere and oceans
  • When air or water is heated, the molecules move faster and farther apart, reducing their density and causing them to rise.
    • Cooler air or water molecules move more slowly and are denser than warm air or water.
    • Warm air or water rising coupled with cooler air or water descending forms a cyclic rising/falling pattern called convection
  • Radiation and convection from Earth's surface transfer thermal energy.
    • This energy powers the global circulation of the atmosphere and the oceans on our planet.
Energy Transformations
  • Energy is continuously transferred from one place to another and transformed among various forms.
  • Secondary sources of energy, such as electricity, are used to store, move, and deliver energy easily in usable form.
  • Thermal and radiant energy can be converted into mechanical energy, chemical energy, and electrical energy and back again.
SOL 6.5 Atoms, Elements, compounds (New 2018 standards)
    The student will investigate and understand that all matter is made up of atoms. Key concepts include
  1. atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons
  2. atoms of a particular element are similar but differ from atoms of other elements;
  3. elements may be represented by chemical symbols;
  4. two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds);
  5. compounds may be represented by chemical formulas
  6. chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes
  7. a few elements comprise the largest portion of the solid Earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere

Central Idea: Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter.

Atomic Structure

Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter. The properties of an atom are based on the number and arrangement of its subatomic particles.

  • The basic structural components of a typical atom are electrons, protons, and neutrons. 
    • Protons and neutrons comprise the nucleus of an atom.
  • An element is a form of matter made up of one type of atom.
  •  The atoms of an element have the same number of protons and electrons, although the number of neutrons may vary.

  • The atoms of one element differ from those of another element in the number of protons.
  • Elements can be represented by chemical symbols.
Compounds and Chemical Equations

In a chemical process, the atoms that make up the original substance (reactants) are regrouped into different molecules and the new substances (products) have different properties from the properties of the reactants.

  • Two or more atoms of different elements may combine to form a compound.
  • Chemical bonds are the forces that hold atoms together to form new substances. 
    • These bonds are formed with electrons.
  • Compounds can be represented by chemical formulas. 
    • Each element in the compound is represented by its unique symbol. 
    • The number of each type of element in the compound (other than one) is represented by a small number (the subscript) to the right of the element symbol
  • Matter is conserved because atoms are conserved in chemical and physical processes.
  • Chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes, illustrating how elements become rearranged in a chemical reaction.
Elements forming Earth, Life, and Oceans
  • A limited number of elements form the largest portion of Earth’s crust, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere.
SOL 6.6 Unique Nature of Water (new 2018 standards)
    The student will investigate and understand the unique properties and characteristics of water and its roles in the natural and human-made environment. Key concepts include
  1. water is referred to as the universal solvent
  2. water has specific properties;
  3. thermal energy has a role in phase changes;
  4. water has a role in weathering;
  5. large bodies of water moderate climate; and
  6. water is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health.

Central Idea: Due to water's properties, it is a fundamental compound necessary for Earth's processes.

Polar Nature of Water Molecules
  • Due to water’s structure, many substances will dissolve in water. For this reason, water is often called the universal solvent.
  • The structure of water molecules allows for the attraction of these molecules to each other, leading to cohesion. Their structure also allows water molecules to stick to other surfaces, leading to adhesion
  • Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force. This property is due to the cohesive nature of water molecules
  • Water is the only compound that commonly exists in all three states (solid, liquid, gas) on Earth.
    • The unique properties of water are a major factor in the ability of our planet to sustain life.
  • Thermal energy added to a system increases the kinetic energy of molecules and results in temperature and phase changes.
  • Water is able to absorb thermal energy without showing relatively large changes in temperature.
    • Large bodies of water act to moderate the climate of surrounding areas by absorbing thermal energy in summer and slowly releasing that energy in the winter.
    • For this reason, the climate near large bodies of wateris slightly milder than areas without large bodies of water.
Physical and Chemical Weathering

    Water shapes landscapes and is a powerful agent in weathering and erosion.

  • Water (rain, ice, snow) has shaped our environment by physically and chemically weathering rock and soil and transporting sediments. 
  • Freezing water can break rock without any change in the minerals that form the rock (physical weathering).
  • This usually produces small particles and sand.
  • Water, along with dissolved gases and other chemicals, causes the minerals in rocks to be changed, leading to the deterioration of the rock (chemical weathering).
  • Erosion is the movement of the materials by water or wind
  • Humans affect the quality, availability, and distribution of Earth's water.
  • Most of Earth's water (97 percent) is salt water in the oceans.
  • Available fresh water, used by humans and other organisms, makes up less than one percent of the water on Eart.
  • Water is essential for agriculture and in power generation.
  • Accessibility of clean, fresh water is critical in maintaining public health.
SOL 6.7 Earth's Atmosphere (new 2018 standards)
    The student will investigate and understand the properties of air and the structure and dynamics of Earth's atmosphere. Key concepts include
  1. air as a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds
  2. the atmosphere has physical characteristics;
  3. properties of the atmosphere change with altitude;
  4. there is a relationship between air movement, thermal energy, and weather conditions;
  5. atmospheric measures are used to predict weather conditions; and

  6. weather maps give basic information about fronts, systems, and weather measurements.

Central Idea: The Earth's atmosphere is a dynamic system that changes in response to inputs and outflows of energy and matter.

Earth's Atmosphere

Earth's atmosphere is comprised of interacting and interdependent elements that are subject to change in response to inputs and outflows of energy and matter.

  • Air is a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds. These include nitrogen, oxygen, water, argon and carbon dioxide.
    • Nitrogen makes up the largest proportion of air.

  • The atmosphere is made up of layers (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere) that have distinct characteristics.
  • Naturally occurring ozone is also found in the atmosphere and helps to shield Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
  • Most of the air that makes up the atmosphere is found in the troposphere (the lowest layer). 
    • Virtually all weather takes place there.
  • The atmosphere is dynamic because of the number of factors that affect it, such as pressure and temperature, which change with altitude and latitude.
  • Air exerts pressure. Air pressure decreases as altitude increases.
  • Moisture in the air is called humidity.
  • Temperature decreases as altitude increases in the lowest layer of the atmosphere.
Weather Conditions
  • Data on characteristics such as barometric pressure, temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, and dew point can be collected, analyzed, and used to predict weather.
  • Thermal energy transfer from the sun or from other geosystems influences air movement and weather conditions.
  • The amounts of thermal energy and water vapor in the air and the pressure of the air largely determine weather conditions .
    Weather Maps

    Models constructed based on patterns in atmospheric conditions are used to predict weather. 

  • Most of the air that makes up the atmosphere is found in the troposphere (the lowest layer). Virtually all weather takes place there.
  • Weather maps show much useful information about descriptive air measurements, observations, and boundaries between air masses (fronts).
  • The curved lines showing areas of equal air pressure and temperature are key features of weather maps.
  • Weather maps are important for understanding and predicting the weather.
SOL 6.8 Watersheds (new 2018 standards)
    The student will investigate and understand the natural processes and human interactions that affect watershed systems. Key concepts include
  1. a watershed is composed of the land that drains into a body of water;
  2. Virginia is composed of multiple watershed systems which have specific features;
  3. the Chesapeake Bay is an estuary that has many important functions; and
  4. natural processes, human activities, and biotic and abiotic factors influence the health of a watershed system.


Central Idea: Watershed systems are dynamic and complex; interactions within these systems may influence the overall health of the watershed.

Biotic & Abiotic Factors of Watersheds

All ecosystems, including watershed ecosystems, are affected by complex biotic and abiotic interactions involving exchanges of matter and energy.

  • An ecosystem is made up of the biotic (living) community and the abiotic (nonliving) factors that affect it. The health of an ecosystem is directly related to water quality.
  • Abiotic factors determine ecosystem type and its distribution of plants and animals as well as the usage of land by people. Abiotic factors include
    • water supply,
    • topography,
    • landforms,
    • geology,
    • soils,
    • sunlight, and
    • air quality/O2 availability.
Monitoring
  • Water quality monitoring is the collection of water samples to analyze chemical and/or biological parameters.
  • Simple parameters include
    • pH
    • temperature
    • salinity
    • dissolved oxygen
    • turbidity
    • presence of macroinvertebrate organisms

About Watersheds
  • A watershed is the land that water flows across or through on its way to a stream, lake, wetland, or other body of water.
    • Areas of higher elevations, such as ridgelines and divides, separate watersheds.
    • The watershed systems in Virginia lead to three main bodies of water. These are the Chesapeake Bay, the North Carolina sounds, or the Gulf of Mexico
    • Wetlands
  • Wetlands form the transition zone between dry land and bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or bays.
  • Both tidal and nontidal wetlands perform important water quality functions, including
    • regulating runoff by storing flood waters;
    • reducing erosion by slowing down run-off;
    • maintaining water quality by filtering sediments, trapping nutrients, and breaking down pollutants; and
    • recharging groundwater
    • Wetlands also provide food and shelter for wildlife and fish and nesting and resting areas for migratory birds.
    Estuaries
  • Estuaries perform important functions, such as providing habitat for many organisms and serving as nurseries for their young.
    • The Chesapeake Bay is an estuary where fresh and salt water meet and are mixed by tides.
    • It is the largest estuary in the contiguous United States and one of the most productive.
    • Human actions and geologic processes affect the availability of freshwater resources.
    • Human activities can alter abiotic components and thus accelerate or decelerate natural processes
SOL 6.9 The Environment & Public Policy (2018 New standards)
    The student will investigate and understand public policy decisions relating to the environment. Key concepts include
  1. natural resources are important to protect and maintain;
  2. renewable and nonrenewable resources can be managed;
  3. major health and safety issues are associated with air and water quality;
  4. major health and safety issues are related to different forms of energy;
  5. preventive measures can protect land-use and reduce environmental hazards; and

Central Idea: Natural resource management and health and safety issues related to the use of resources should be considered in the development of public policy.

Management of Resources

Natural resources have different properties, making them suitable for different uses. Natural resources are limited and are distributed unevenly around the planet.

  • People, as well as other living organisms, are dependent upon the availability of clean water and air and a healthy environment.
  • Local, state, and federal governments have significant roles in managing and protecting air, water, plant, and wildlife resources.
  • Modern industrial society is dependent upon energy.
  • Fossil fuels are the major sources of energy in developed and industrialized nations and should be managed to minimize adverse impacts.
    • Renewable resources should be managed so that they produce continuously. 
      • Sustainable development focuses decisions about long-term use of the land and natural resources on maximum community benefit for the longest time with the least environmental damage
    • Preventing pollutants from entering the air and water can protect the health of living things.
      •  Water pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals affect the limited amount of fresh water available for living things to maintain life processes. 
      • These pollutants may also lead to an increase in bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases.
  • Conservation of resources and environmental protection include individual acts of stewardship.
  • Human use of resources has a cause-and-effect impact on Earth systems and on the global economy.
  • There are advantages and disadvantages to using any energy source. 
    • These advantages and disadvantages may affect the environment and have economic implications.
  • Human health can be affected when pollutants, in the form of particulates and thermal energy released into the atmosphere, disrupt the natural balance in the system
Preventative Measures

    Earth scientists and engineers develop new technologies to extract resources while reducing the pollution, waste, and ecosystem degradation caused by extraction.

  • Preventive measures, such as pollution prevention or thoughtfully planned and enforced land-use restrictions, can reduce future damage.
  • Regulations, incentives, and voluntary efforts help conserve resources and protect environmental quality.
  • Use of renewable (water, air, soil, plant life, animal life) and nonrenewable resources (coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, and mineral resources) must be considered in terms of their cost/benefit tradeoffs.
  • Pollution prevention and waste management are less costly than cleanup
Back to Top